Man Accused Of Driving Under Influence Of Heroin Fails To Appear In Court

July 23, 2014

ELLICOTT - The 30-year-old Fredonia man who was allegedly under the influence of heroin when he crashed his vehicle in Ellicott earlier this month failed to appear at his court arraignment Tuesday.

According to Judge Marilyn Gerace, who presided over the Ellicott Town Court, it is unclear why Zachary Ellis refused to show up to his 6 p.m. arraignment.

"We're going to make some inquiries to find out what happened," Gerace said.

On July 8, Ellis was traveling northbound on Route 60 in Ellicott when he crashed into a ditch near the intersection with Tompkins Road.

New York State Police found Ellis unconscious and attempted to revive him with an automated external defibrillator.

When the device determined that a shock was not necessary, troopers found a hypodermic needle containing heroin inside the vehicle.

Fact Box

"We're going to make some inquiries to find out what happened."

Marilyn Gerace

Ellicott town justice

One dosage of naloxone was then administered to Ellis, reviving him.

Ellis was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession of a hypodermic needle. He was also charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation after it was determined that his driver's license was revoked.